Harry Potter was conflicted.
Percy Jackson was the first friend he had ever made. Percy stood at his side, always there to help Harry with every problem, whether it'd be Voldemort or girl problems. Percy was the kind of happy, go-lucky fellow that found an opportunity to smile at everything. On a bad day, he'd be there to cheer him up with his horrible puns or hilarious antics. Percy was the kind of person you could always count on.
So why was Percy consorting with an enemy?
Harry didn't want to believe that Percy, bloody Percy Jackson, would betray them. But he couldn't deny the truth. All the clues led to the same thing. Who could else could Percy be a spy for? The Ministry? Harry nearly scoffed aloud. Percy made it clear that he thought that the Ministry was made up of a bunch of blundering, headless idiots. However, Percy also hated Voldemort. Well, at least he did, half a year ago.
Percy was referring to Malfoy, the most arrogant, pompous, and racist person Harry had ever met, as Draco. How could Percy be friends with a boy who had been bullying him and his friends for the past five years? And a Slytherin? And don't forget about the resident dungeons bat. True, Percy and Snape got along decently as they were both potion prodigies, but they had never been on a first name basis.
What had Percy been doing for the last couple weeks? What was this "duty" Percy was referring to? A duty for Lord Voldemort? Was Percy Malfoy's superior in the Death Eater ranks? Hearing Percy mention the "Dumbledore problem" sent shivers up his spine. There was only one thing Harry could think of. And it wasn't pleasant.
Percy Jackson had strayed to the Dark side. It was obvious. But there were some things that Percy had said that didn't quite fit the image of a Death Eater.
Why exactly was Percy afraid for Malfoy? Surely he would be pleased if Malfoy had taken the Dark Mark, for that was the only thing Percy could be talking about when he asked, "Why did you take it anyways?" And the whole thing about having someone on the inside? Could Malfoy be spying on the Dark like what Snape was claiming to do for the Order? No, Harry denied. It wasn't possible for the poster child of pure blood supremacy to defect to the light side.
Why would Percy become a Death Eater anyways? He was a half-blood. But so was Riddle, Harry thought. Percy loved his mother, a muggle. Riddle blamed his mother for being a weak, foolish, magicless squib. Power? Percy had denied the power and riches Voldemort promised him. People can change. Suddenly, inspiration touched him.
What if . . . Percy had been forced to become a Death Eater?
Maybe his mom had been threatened. Or maybe the Dark Lord threatened to kill his friends. Percy was always the type to sacrifice his life if it meant saving his loved ones. That had to be the reason.
Or maybe, his traitorous mind whispered, Percy Jackson joined the Dark of his own free will.
Harry kept staring at Percy weirdly. He was oddly silent, only talking when prompted, and even then, his responses were short. He seemed to be thinking deeply, as if contemplating the mysteries of life.
And Percy knew exactly why. Harry had seen his interaction with Draco. Percy didn't know how much Harry had heard, but he hoped to the skies that Harry didn't hear anything about the Greek gods. He would hate to think what Zeus' reaction would be if he had found out that Percy accidentally revealed one of the biggest secrets to a wizard, of all people. He'd probably take it as an excuse to blast him out of Olympus, actually.
Percy had to prove to Harry that he was the same friend who could trusted. Harry would no doubt be keeping a close eye on him for any suspicious activities, so Percy would have to find a safe place for reconvene with Draco and Severus, one that no one knew about, or one that none would question. Percy was optimistic that his lying skills improved since the pathetic circus story in his first quest.
But staring at Harry, who still still had a suspicious look on his face, Percy realized that this was going to be a hard year.
Harry had only just realized that the invisible horses Percy claimed he could see, were in fact, real. Percy was talking about the thresals. Of course, in the beginning of fourth year, they were still naïve children who had not yet seen death and foolishly believed that the world was in black and white.
However, the fact that Percy could see thresals made Harry wonder, Who's death did Percy see?
Harry started to feel unnerved as he realized that he didn't know as much about Percy as he thought he did. Percy was just the American transfer student with a Yankee accent that attracted stares from the student population because of his nationality and looks. He had a wonderful mother named Sally Jackson that made equally wonderful blue cookies.
But who were Percy's friends? Percy had mentioned his American friends, a blonde girl with startling gray eyes that Percy swore was the smartest person in Manhattan, and a disabled boy who had an obsession with cheese enchiladas and coffee. But what were their names? Who was this father that was lost at sea? Did he have any siblings? What was this summer camp that he loved? How did he get all those scars?
Harry stared at Percy during the entirety of the Sorting, only faintly hearing the shouts of the houses and clapping absentmindedly whenever a first year joined Gryffindor. He stuffed his mouth with food mechanically during the Welcoming Feast, grimacing at what tasted like ash to him, and answering the other sixth years' questions vaguely.
Harry knew that others were staring at him, questioning his odd behavior before dismissing to stress from the war. Harry couldn't help but stare at Percy, who was currently chatting animatedly to Hermione and Ron. And watching them now, Harry knew that he couldn't tell them about Percy and his suspicions. It would break their hearts. No, Harry would act as normal as he could, and observe from afar.
Harry needed to take action. And this summer camp Percy always mentioned seemed like a good place to start.
"So, how was summer camp?" Harry suddenly asked out of the blue.
Percy blinked. Harry had never asked him about camp before, so this could be an attempt to pull any information out of Percy. "It was good," Percy answered after a moment of hesitation. Because fighting in the Giant War, falling into Tartarus, having a prophecy hanging over your head that foretold the world might fall was totally good. But it wasn't like that was an option, so Percy would have to settle with, "good."
"I've never asked you before, but what do you do there?"
Camp was a bit of a touchy topic with Percy. On one hand, it was his home. Camp was the place of his memories, the moments with Annabeth, and the beginning of friendships. On the other hand, this whole mess with the gods was what caused so much of the sorrow in his life.
"Well, I guess it's your typical summer camp. We've got all kinds of activities. Canoeing, horse-back riding, rock climbing, archery, and fencing" Percy neglected to mention that nymphs loved to tease campers by flipping over their boats, their horses had wings, the rock wall poured down lava, and that fencing (sword-fighting) and archery was to prepare you for the real world.
"That sounds fun." If you could call fighting for your life everyday fun. "What's it like there? Do you have any friends there?"
"Well, it's nice, Everyone's really friendly to each other." Well, except for the Ares kids. "It's a summer camp for those with some kind of disorder, like ADHD and dyslexia, which is you know, what I have. Most of the kids there really have a hard time fitting in at school, and everyone at camp is so welcoming because we all know what it's like to be different. I'm a counselor and fencing teacher, which allows me to connect with them and get involved with their life." For the first time in a long time, a true smile, albeit a small one, graced Percy's lips. He started chattering about the cabins (he made up some story that they put a person with people with alike personalities, which was sort of true), the dining hall and it's delicious food, and the campfire. He started talking the Stoll twins and their love for pranks, Coach Hedge and his unending need for violence, and Ella and her crush on Tyson. Percy only stopped when he heard chuckling on Harry's end.
"What's so funny," Percy scowled.
"Nothing," Harry reassured him. "It's just that I don't think I've ever seen you so carefree." Percy hadn't even realized he was so relaxed. Harry sighed. "It sounds wonderful. I would love to get away from the war and the rest of the wizarding world. I'd give my life to go there."
Percy's demeanor instantly changed. People had given their lives to go there. A couple months ago, a father sacrificed his life for his demigod daughter in order to make sure that she would make it to safety. Much like what his own mother had done, although she kidnapped rather than killed. And to escape war? Percy nearly scoffed out loud. More like Harry would be heading into another war. Voldemort was like an ant compared to Gaea.
Instead, Percy forced out another smile. "Yeah, perhaps one day, I'll take you there." If Harry noticed the stilted tone and insincerity, he didn't comment on it. Percy turned the conversation to other trivial things, such as Harry's crush on Cho, which he learned, had gone down the drain. Before he knew it, the Welcoming Feast was over.
Dumbledore tapped his goblet with his spoon, and the deserts instantly disappeared, including the slice of blueberry pie Percy had been working on. "Ahem," the headmaster started, clearing his throat. "To our new students, welcome! And to our old, welcome back!" Dumbledore raised his arms as if he were embracing the students. But in doing so, the sleeve of his robe slipped, revealing a blackened, shriveled hand. Gasps were heard around the room as people began to whisper.
"Interesting," Percy murmured. "What happened to his hand?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know. It was like that when I saw him over the summer. I thought he would have had it cured by now. Do you think it was from a Dark curse?"
"Probably," Hermione agreed. "There are wounds that can never be healed, diseases that can never be cured, and poisons without antidotes, all of Dark origins."
Dumbledore cleared his throat and the hall instantly silenced. "I would like to remind all students that the Forbidden Forest is, of course, forbidden to all, and that second years and above wishing to try out for their Quidditch team should talk to their Heads. Our dear caretaker Mr. Filch would like to inform you that all products from Weasleys' Wizards Wheezes are banned and if any of their items found, they shall be confiscated and a detention assigned to the trangressor.
"I would like to welcome back the former Potions Master, Professor Slughorn, who shall be taking over his old post. Professor Snape, meanwhile, will be taking over the position of Defense Against Dark Arts."
"Potions?"
"Snape?"
"WHAT?" Harry exclaimed, outraged. "How could Snape have gotten the job? How could Snape ruin my favorite subject?"
"Hey, Snape's not that bad," Percy objected.
"But he actually likes you," Harry pointed out, scowling. "He hates me. Me and my father."
True. It didn't help that Severus was actually related to Percy, even though it was distant. He was a thrice or fourth removed cousin or something like that. But the bonds between them had strengthened after saving each other lives several times over the course of the summer.
Which reminded him . . .
"As everyone knows, Lord Voldemort has been gaining strength and amassing forces," Dumbledore continued, ignoring the shrieks and shivers associated with the Dark Lord's name. "For this reason, new safety restrictions have been implemented. Although Hogwart's wards have been reinforced with powerful protection wards, we must be vigilant against any attacks. Students leaving and passing through the gates will have to undergo a security check for signs of Dark items. Owls will be scanned as well, although we assure you that none shall see any of your personal messages.
"If you see any suspicious activities, report to your Head of the House, or for that matter, any member of the staff. Students are not to be out in the corridors for any reasons, unless accompanied by a teacher." For some unfathomable reason, the Headmaster seemed to focus his gaze at Percy, as well as his friends. "It is important that all houses remain united in the face of danger, that each one us make sure that not just yourself, but the peers around you are safe.
"Now, I'm sure you're tired, and your warm beds are waiting for you. So let us depart and say goodnight."
Taking advantage of the disorder among the crowd pushing their way towards their dormitories, Percy slipped away from the others and headed toward Draco. Pulling aside the demigod, Percy whispered one word into Draco's ear before disappearing into thin air.
Midnight.
Hey, I'm looking for a story in which Harry travels to some alternate universe after defeating Voldemort and becomes the Divination teacher at Hogwarts. If you know a story like that, do you mind telling me? I mean, you don't have to.
Anyways, hope you enjoyed! It's been almost a month, hasn't it?